ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Legal Professions Associate’s Degree Schools

80 Colleges in the United States
5,259 Legal Professions Degrees Awarded
$41,756 Avg Early-Career Salary

Legal Professions degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 975 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for legal professions students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/legal-studies-and-professions/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 5
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Legal Studies (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Legal Studies (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Legal Services & Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Legal Services & Studies (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Legal Services (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Legal Services (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Paralegal (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Paralegal (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 5
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 5 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 5
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

These are the top schools for a associate’s degree in legal professions, based on student outcomes and program quality.

1

Miami Dade College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in legal professions. Located in the city of Miami, Miami Dade College is a very large public university. About 34 legal professions degrees were awarded at Miami Dade College in the most recent year. Legal Professions graduates of Miami Dade College earn a median of $40,782 early in their careers. Miami Dade College graduates carry a median of $12,950 in student loans. Get the full legal professions details for Miami Dade College

2

A rank of #2 makes Palm Beach State College one of the top schools for legal professions. Located in the suburb of Lake Worth, Palm Beach State College is a very large public university. There were roughly 14 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Palm Beach State College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the legal professions program make about $46,622 in their early career. Palm Beach State College graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. See the full legal professions program report for Palm Beach State College

3

Des Moines Area Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. About 22 legal professions degrees were awarded at Des Moines Area Community College in the most recent year. Legal Professions graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $49,137 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,250. Get the full legal professions details for Des Moines Area Community College

4
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

Nassau Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Garden City. Nassau Community College awarded about 26 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Legal Professions graduates of Nassau Community College earn a median of $32,464 early in their careers. Nassau Community College graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in legal professions from Nassau Community College

5
Broward College crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Broward College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in legal professions, landing the #5 spot this year. Broward College is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Lauderdale. There were roughly 25 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Broward College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Broward College earn around $51,328 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $13,110 to complete this degree. See the full legal professions program report for Broward College

6

Cuyahoga Community College District placed #6 among the best legal professions schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Cleveland. Cuyahoga Community College District awarded about 12 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the legal professions program make about $39,394 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete this degree. See the full legal professions program report for Cuyahoga Community College District

7

Austin Community College District ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Austin. Austin Community College District awarded about 20 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Austin Community College District earn around $46,216 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,125 to complete this degree. See the full legal professions program report for Austin Community College District

8

Tarrant County College District ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Tarrant County College District is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Worth. About 23 legal professions degrees were awarded at Tarrant County College District in the most recent year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Tarrant County College District earn around $38,404 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,148 to complete this degree. Read more about the legal professions program at Tarrant County College District

9

Fox Valley Technical College earned the #9 position for legal professions this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Appleton. Fox Valley Technical College awarded about 23 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, legal professions degree recipients from Fox Valley Technical College generally make around $44,020. Typical student debt for the program is $13,319. More information about a degree in legal professions from Fox Valley Technical College

10
Edison State College crest
Edison State College
Fort Myers, FL

Edison State College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, Edison State College is a large public university. There were roughly 20 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Edison State College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the legal professions program make about $52,597 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,624. See the full legal professions program report for Edison State College

11

Florida State College At Jacksonville placed #11 among the best legal professions schools. Located in the city of Jacksonville, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a very large public university. There were roughly 33 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Florida State College At Jacksonville in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Florida State College At Jacksonville earn around $46,748 in the first couple years of their career. Florida State College At Jacksonville graduates carry a median of $19,139 in student loans. More information about a degree in legal professions from Florida State College At Jacksonville

12

Lewis And Clark Community College landed the #12 spot for legal professions this year. Set in the suburb of Godfrey, Lewis And Clark Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Lewis And Clark Community College awarded about 26 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, legal professions degree recipients from Lewis And Clark Community College generally make around $41,313. Typical student debt for the program is $9,602. More information about a degree in legal professions from Lewis And Clark Community College

13

Edmonds Community College came in at #13 for legal professions this year. Set in the suburb of Lynnwood, Edmonds Community College is a large public institution. There were roughly 21 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Edmonds Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Edmonds Community College earn around $39,455 in the first couple years of their career. Edmonds Community College graduates carry a median of $15,531 in student loans. More information about a degree in legal professions from Edmonds Community College

14
Mti College crest
Mti College
Sacramento, CA

Mti College earned the #14 position for legal professions this year. This mid-sized private for-profit university is located in the suburb of Sacramento. Mti College awarded about 41 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, legal professions degree recipients from Mti College generally make around $47,535. Mti College graduates carry a median of $13,758 in student loans. More information about a degree in legal professions from Mti College

15

Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. About 20 legal professions degrees were awarded at Milwaukee Area Technical College in the most recent year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College earn around $38,325 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete this degree. See the full legal professions program report for Milwaukee Area Technical College

16

College Of Lake County ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Located in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public university. About 16 legal professions degrees were awarded at College Of Lake County in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, legal professions degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $45,094. Typical student debt for the program is $9,785. See the full legal professions program report for College Of Lake County

17

Central Piedmont Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Set in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 20 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Central Piedmont Community College earn around $35,314 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,861. Read more about the legal professions program at Central Piedmont Community College

18
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA

National University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best legal professions schools. Located in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 50% of students finish within six years. National University awarded about 29 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the legal professions program make about $69,080 in their early career. National University graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Read more about the legal professions program at National University

19

Saint Louis Community College earned the #19 position for legal professions this year. Located in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public university. About 13 legal professions degrees were awarded at Saint Louis Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the legal professions program make about $31,842 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $6,500. Get the full legal professions details for Saint Louis Community College

20

Hillsborough Community College placed #20 among the best legal professions schools. Set in the city of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College is a very large public institution. About 25 legal professions degrees were awarded at Hillsborough Community College in the most recent year. Legal Professions graduates of Hillsborough Community College earn a median of $39,517 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,036 to complete this degree. Get the full legal professions details for Hillsborough Community College

21

Northern Virginia Community College earned the #21 position for legal professions this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Annandale. About 29 legal professions degrees were awarded at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Northern Virginia Community College earn around $45,915 in the first couple years of their career. Northern Virginia Community College graduates carry a median of $17,427 in student loans. See the full legal professions program report for Northern Virginia Community College

22

Fresno City College earned the #22 position for legal professions this year. Set in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public institution. Fresno City College awarded about 41 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, legal professions degree recipients from Fresno City College generally make around $37,470. Fresno City College graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. Read more about the legal professions program at Fresno City College

23

Suffolk County Community College came in at #23 for legal professions this year. Set in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public institution. Suffolk County Community College awarded about 10 legal professions degrees in the most recent data year. Legal Professions graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $35,667 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete this degree. Get the full legal professions details for Suffolk County Community College

24
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College earned the #24 position for legal professions this year. Located in the suburb of Palatine, Harper College is a very large public university. About 11 legal professions degrees were awarded at Harper College in the most recent year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Harper College earn around $43,980 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $10,963. See the full legal professions program report for Harper College

25

Portland Community College landed the #25 spot for legal professions this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland Community College is a very large public university. There were roughly 21 legal professions students who graduated with this degree at Portland Community College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their legal professions degree from Portland Community College earn around $42,463 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. Read more about the legal professions program at Portland Community College

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s legal professions ranking:

26
27
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
28
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA
29
30
31
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
32
33
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
34
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI
35
Phoenix College crest
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
36
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA
37
Lone Star College System crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
38
39
40
41
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Midlands Technical College crest
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC
50

The following schools placed in the top tier for legal professions:

Rank School Location
#69 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
#73 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
#86 Keiser University Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
#122 Rasmussen College Florida Ocala, FL
#136 Purdue University Global West Lafayette, IN
#142 Plaza College Forest Hills, NY

Honorable Mentions

A few more legal professions schools worth a look:

Looking for a different degree level? Compare Legal Professions rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Legal Professions
Bachelor's Degrees in Legal Professions
Master's Degrees in Legal Professions
ADBLOCK #173
View All Legal Professions Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 975 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options